RailEnquiry

The School of Management Studies, Cusat, entrusted with the study on the parking facilities for the Kochi Metro Rail, submitted its report on Friday.The study was conducted by dividing the metro stations into three different categories, based on the parking requirements for each station.The first category has the intersecting stations, including the terminal stations, and Kalamassery, Edappally, Palarivattom, Kaloor and Kadavanthra. These stations need more parking space as they serve as a connecting link to the various parts of the city.  The second category has non-intersecting points, with CUSAT, Pulinchodu, Changampuzha Park and Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium under it.The final group has non-intersecting points that require lesser parking space, like Ambattukavu, Muttam, Maharajas Ground and Elamkulam. The report observes that after 20 years, a majority of the stations would require multi-level parking facilities. At Edappally and Vyttila, the parking requirements for integratedmulti-mode transport systems, including a boat jetty, will be taken into account. “We have to study the report in detail and finalise the extent of land to be acquired for the project. Providing adequate parking facility at the stations is of utmost importance to avoid traffic congestion.“This report will help us to make a comprehensive plan for the whole route,” said Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Tom Jose.

The parking lots have been identified along with the metro stations or adjacent to it to ensure maximum passenger comfort.However, for stations like Companypady, South and Petta, the parking area has been identified further away from the stations owing to the non-availability of vacant land.

“In such cases, exclusive pedestrian-friendly  walkways can be provided to access the station. Effort has been made to make the maximum use of vacant land and to minimise the acquisition of buildings. The methodology adopted for the survey is spot interception method and area sampling method,” the report states.

The study focused on understanding the traffic flow to and from all the 22 stations including the two terminal stations. It also sought to assess the possible number of two and four-wheelers, which would require parking on the Aluva-Petta Metro rail corridor.

As part of the study, layouts for parking and traffic circulation was also prepared for each station. The project report submitted by the DMRC does not have  the parking facility specification.